What are common causes of upper GI bleeding?

What are common causes of upper GI bleeding?

• A. Esophageal varices.
• B. Mallory-Weis tear.
• C. Gastric ulceration, duodenal ulceration, peptic ulcer disease, and esophageal varices.
• D. Duodenitis.

Answer: (C)

Upper GI bleeding most often comes from mucosal ulcers (peptic disease) or from variceal bleeding related to portal hypertension. Gastric and duodenal ulcers are classic causes, and esophageal varices are a major source in patients with cirrhosis. Together, these represent the most frequent and clinically significant sources of upper GI bleed, which is why listing gastric ulceration, duodenal ulceration, peptic ulcer disease, and esophageal varices is the best answer. Mallory-Weis tear can cause bleeding after forceful vomiting, but it is less common overall than ulcers or variceal bleeding. Duodenitis can cause irritation but is not among the primary causes of significant upper GI bleeding.

Upper GI bleeding most often comes from mucosal ulcers (peptic disease) or from variceal bleeding related to portal hypertension. Gastric and duodenal ulcers are classic causes, and esophageal varices are a major source in patients with cirrhosis. Together, these represent the most frequent and clinically significant sources of upper GI bleed, which is why listing gastric ulceration, duodenal ulceration, peptic ulcer disease, and esophageal varices is the best answer. Mallory-Weis tear can cause bleeding after forceful vomiting, but it is less common overall than ulcers or variceal bleeding. Duodenitis can cause irritation but is not among the primary causes of significant upper GI bleeding.